Following Carlisle United's 1-0 away win at FC Halifax Town, we spoke to Head Coach Mark Hughes.
Speaking to CUTV, Hughes discussed the team’s control of the game, key individual contributions and the momentum building heading into the final stretch.
Here is everything we learnt:
1. A dominant away performance
“Really pleased, a very good away performance. I thought we were excellent in the first half.
"We managed the ball really well, and they created very little.”
2. Setting the tone in tough conditions
“We needed to make sure we drove the game, and I thought we did that really well.
"There was real intent in our play and desire to get the job done.”
3. Backing up recent results
“We’ve gone up against two of the more difficult teams on paper and come through with flying colours, so we’re really delighted with that.”
4. A moment of quality from Regan Linney
“We just needed that one moment of quality to take the game away from them, and once we got our noses in front, it was always going to be difficult for them.”
5. All-round contribution from the forward line
“He’s (Regan Linney) added to his game. He’s working hard defensively as well, which is really important and shows his desire for the team.”
6. Impact from Jack Ellis
“Jack (Ellis) came in and did really well, as he always does. We just wanted to freshen things up a little bit and protect a few players.”
7. Defensive dominance
“I thought the two centre-halves absolutely dominated. Their forwards have scored a lot of goals this year, but they didn’t get a sniff tonight.”
8. Midfield control key to performance
“Alex (Gilliead) was excellent. They couldn’t get near him in the first half, and he set the tone with the way we moved the ball and his energy.”
9. Solid and composed at the back
“We were very comfortable defensively. We had to deal with crosses, but I thought everybody did their job really well.”
10. Momentum building at the right time
“The last two games we’ve shown real character, resilience and quality. We’re trending at the right time of the season.”
